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Women's Day?

Stop convincing the convinced

Every year we see campaigns to improve the status of women, but in practice nothing changes.

The gender equality program does not just go through women, it goes through everyone

Einat Weisbort

08/03/2022

08/03/2022

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Albert Einstein said that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results, and the story of the struggle to promote gender equality in Israel meets exactly that definition.

Every year and throughout the year, the "leaders of the struggle" hold various forums, hosted by panels in the various communication channels, consisting mostly of only women who speak the slogans known and the language we have known for years, and accordingly the messages from there reach the ears of women.

In fact, they are trying to "convince the convinced."

It is important to emphasize that the dignity of the organizations that have been leading the struggle for years is in its place and the effort is welcome and important of course, but it is important to ask the question, to what extent has it really contributed to gender equality?

How far have we come?

Judging by reality, the answer is unequivocal - little, very little to the point of not being felt.

The ever-expanding data shatters the illusion for all of us, and despite the lively discourse and headlines in the media in which there is much goodwill on the part of everyone to work for the cause, promote gender diversity in organizations and societies, allow equal pay for women and men and overcome barriers. Great ones that need rethinking.

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And when we say rethinking, we mean to have actions that include everyone, men and women alike.

No more women-only panels talking to women-only, or workshops for women, or events for women.

For years, all such actions, were intended for women, it was time to incorporate men, boys and children.

Why?

In order to hear what it is about, they will understand the challenges that exist for women and internalize that gender equality is important for them as well.

As long as men are the majority who fill the boards and boards and still be the ones who set the tone in policy making, it is important to share and involve them in all advocacy efforts, because convincing the convinced is easy, now one has to "convince" those who do not understand why, or just do not Know how to do it.

The abolition of the panel "Men talk about female writing", which was announced by the Writers' Union and was to take place on Women's Day, is exactly the example of the same discourse that must change.

The criticism of him, stemming from the same old perception that did not bring us even an inch closer to the goal and its abolition in fact, is a foot shot in the struggle to promote gender equality.

Rubik Danilovich, the esteemed mayor of Be'er Sheva, also posted a Facebook post full of sincerity and with pure intention in which he invites the city's residents to attend the various events organized in honor of Women's Day in the city.

"Dear Be'er Sheva women, I invite you to take part in the dozens of activities in the city that are all in your honor," he wrote.

This is also a big miss, as the mayor had to invite the general public to come and enjoy the variety of events, not only women, but also men, couples and families, and for this purpose also to adjust the nature and content of the events.

Examples of this are not lacking from events across the country.

Effective campaign: An important step towards a goal

Einat Weisbort (Photo: Official Website, Menachem Oz)

The government's program to promote gender equality, which has been delayed for more than a decade and whose principles were brought by Minister of Social Equality Meirav Cohen these days for government approval, contains signs of something new, of the same understanding that employers need to start talking to key executives. , Talk to the men. Because what to do? They are pulling the strings. Double cool Equality in the burden of housework and raising children, without the fear of professional and economic harm.This is perhaps the first swallow for that binding change.

It seems that even some of the big organizations have started to take action and turn in the right and required direction.

In the "Hamashbir" network, for example, they launched an advertising campaign on the occasion of Women's Day, which seeks to raise awareness of the gender pay gap, which averages 31.6% less than men.

As part of the campaign, the chain offers a discount on its products at the average wage gap.

He also joins the PAYBOX campaign that added before the transfer the question "If the transfer is intended for a woman will we lower the amount?"

And added the number 30 percent.

These are examples of effective campaigns that appeal to all audiences and these are exactly the messages that should lead the struggle, throw the truth inside and stir up the stakes among everyone.

But it is important that they do throughout the year and not just on Women's Day.

In order to bring about true equality, it is necessary to expand the circle and include more groups in the struggle.

Women's Day must become everyone's day, perhaps even called "Awareness Day for Gender Equality".

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• International Women's Day